The Claiming

Chapter Sixteen

"Now," Walden says as he practically skips over to his dresser near the door, "I would like you to put this on."

Oh, gosh.

He hands me a dark red set of lingerie.

WHY DOES HE EVEN HAVE THIS STASHED IN HIS ROOM?

Before I can protest, he pushes me forcefully into the bathroom connected to his bedchamber and tosses the scraps of clothing in with me. He closes the door and locks it.

Such a gentleman.

When I turn on the light, I see that the bathroom consists of a bathtub, separate shower, a vanity sink, and a toilet. The gold trimmings on the top and bottom of the walls are pleasant, but not really helping my situation here.

I step over to the sink and stare at myself in the mirror.

Here I am, with neatly curled brunette hair, delicate makeup (both a courtesy of Anna), and a dress that was tight this morning, but has started to fit once my body realized I just want to starve myself and die. The dress floats to the ground in light blue waves, something I had to change into for dinner. Patricia called it an evening gown.

I'll say that the only benefit of being reclaimed by the prince has been the magnificent new wardrobe.

But that's it.

I don't know what to do now.

I look at my own brown eyes in the mirror as I remember the night of the Claiming, when Alec came to my rescue and told me everything was going to be all right. He knew back then that he would be the one to keep me safe. That he would be the one who would love me forever.

But where is he now?

Not here.

He let me go.

I fall to my knees and cover my eyes as I start to cry out every emotion I've felt since I was dragged away from my best friend.

He let me go.

He betrayed me.

He didn't betray me.

I hold back a scream with the feeling of my head about to explode.

He let me go.

Because he loves me.

***

"What's taking you so long?" the prince yells, banging on the door to the bathroom.

I haven't moved from my spot on the floor. Part of me hopes that if I stay here and don't move, he'll get bored and leave.

If only.

"I-I'm almost ready," I reply. I pick up the red bra that sits on the floor beside me. As I examine it, I notice the hook has been worn down and the straps adjusted. I am definitely not the first to be wearing this.

I drop it on the ground and shake my head.

Oh, Lord, save me from this mess. I fold my hands together and press my thumbs to the bridge of my nose. I don't know how I got into this mess, but please help me. I've done all I can to lead a life for You, Lord. Where have You gone? Why have You left me? I'm scared, and angry, and... helpless. I miss how things used to be, even though they weren't perfect. Is this Your way of getting me to appreciate what I have? Well, You've done it! I was better off than most girls, and I feel sorry for them. I want to help them, but I can't. I'm trapped here about to lose all of me to a horrible man.

I am terrified.

Save me.

I don't know what I'm supposed to feel after that kind of prayer, but what I do feel is something different.